Why woodburner maintenance matters
A clean and well-maintained woodburner isn’t just better to look at — it also burns more efficiently, lasts longer and helps keep your home safe. From improving air quality to reducing creosote build-up, regular maintenance is essential if you’re burning wood regularly.
Whether you use your stove every day in winter or just occasionally, here’s how to keep it performing at its best.
1. Clean the stove glass
Over time, soot and tar can build up on the stove’s glass door, especially if you’re burning wood that isn’t properly seasoned. To keep your view of the flames clear:
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Use a damp cloth dipped in ash from the fire to gently rub off residue
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Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the glass
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For tougher stains, use a stove glass cleaner approved by your manufacturer
If you notice glass blackening quickly, it’s usually a sign of poor combustion — which can be caused by high-moisture logs. Our ultra kiln dried logs (under 15% moisture) help reduce this issue.
2. Empty the ash pan
Let your stove cool fully before emptying the ash pan. Some stoves perform better with a small bed of ash, so check your stove’s manual — but don’t let ash build up too high, as it can restrict airflow.
Dispose of ash safely by:
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Using a metal container with a lid
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Letting ash cool completely before binning or composting it
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Keeping ash away from wood or flammable materials
3. Check the firebricks and rope seals
The firebricks inside your stove protect the metal body from excessive heat. If they’re cracked, crumbling or loose, they should be replaced to prevent long-term damage.
Also check the rope seal around the door — if it’s worn, it could be letting air in and reducing efficiency. Rope seals are affordable and easy to replace yourself or with a quick visit from a stove technician.
4. Sweep the chimney or flue
This is a critical step for both performance and safety. Soot and tar (especially creosote) can build up in your chimney over time, which increases the risk of chimney fires and blocks proper ventilation.
It’s recommended that you:
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Have your flue or chimney swept at least once a year
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Use a professional chimney sweep certified by APICS or HETAS
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Sweep more frequently if you’re burning daily over winter
The good news? Burning low-moisture hardwood produces less creosote, helping keep your flue cleaner between sweeps.
5. Burn the right fuel
Poor fuel choices lead to dirty stoves and poor performance. Wet logs, softwood or treated timber can cause:
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Blackened stove glass
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Excess soot and creosote
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Corrosion or premature damage
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Bad smells and smoke leaks
That’s why The Logsmith only sells 100% hardwood, ultra kiln dried below 15% moisture. It burns hotter, cleaner and helps keep your stove in better condition — with less maintenance needed.
6. Book a professional stove service annually
Even with regular at-home maintenance, it’s smart to have your stove serviced professionally once a year. This helps:
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Check seals and fix minor damage
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Spot issues early
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Ensure your appliance remains safe and compliant
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Maintain manufacturer warranties
7. Tips for off-season care
If you’re not using your stove over summer:
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Leave the door slightly ajar to prevent condensation
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Clean the inside and remove all ash
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Store logs in a dry, ventilated space to keep them under 15% moisture
Our stackable log boxes are ideal for this — easy to move, store and use when the nights turn colder again.
Keep your stove burning bright
With a little care, your woodburner will give you many years of efficient, satisfying heat. Stay on top of regular cleaning, burn the right logs, and you’ll enjoy fewer problems and better fires — season after season.